Residence Inn London Kensington

The hotel offers a distinctive aparthotel experience, making it a highly suitable choice for families and long-stay guests seeking the comforts of home while exploring the city. Its signature features include spacious rooms equipped with convenient kitchenettes and an excellent complimentary breakfast, which consistently receives high praise for its variety and quality. Guests frequently highlight the exceptionally friendly and helpful staff who contribute significantly to a welcoming atmosphere. The hotel's convenient location near public transport and a large supermarket further enhances its appeal for sightseers and those on business trips. While the hotel provides a comfortable base, guests should be prepared for potential waits for the elevators and occasional issues with air conditioning, which are noted in some reviews. To maximize comfort, consider requesting a room away from high-traffic areas like elevator banks or main corridors.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests highly value the comprehensive kitchenettes found in the rooms, which are often equipped with an oven, dishwasher, hob, kettle, toaster, Nespresso machine, and a fridge, providing ample convenience for preparing meals. The availability of a free laundry service with washers and dryers is a significant advantage, particularly for longer stays, though guests may need to provide their own detergent. The hotel also features a fitness center or gym that is generally well-equipped and larger than those found in many other hotels. However, a frequently mentioned point of concern is the elevators, which are often described as slow, congested, and prone to long waits, sometimes leading guests to use the stairs. While Wi-Fi generally functions well, some guests initially experienced minor connectivity issues. A small shop or grab-n-go pantry is available in the reception area for quick purchases.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The rooms are generally perceived as spacious for London standards, offering an apartment-like feel that is particularly beneficial for families. Most guests find the beds comfortable, though some note that sofa beds are less so, and a few mention mattresses being too soft. Feedback on cleanliness is mixed; while many describe rooms as immaculate, others report issues such as dust, dirty floors, or mold in bathrooms. Some guests also experienced a lack of replenishment for essential supplies like towels, coffee pods, or body wash. Noise can be a significant concern, with reports of thin walls allowing sounds from corridors, elevators, and street traffic to be heard. Air conditioning is a recurring issue, with units sometimes not working effectively, making rooms too hot, or being excessively loud. Bathrooms vary in size, and some guests note issues with toilet flushing or shower pressure.

Dining & Food Quality
The complimentary breakfast is a consistent highlight, frequently praised for its excellent quality, wide variety, and generous selection of both hot and cold options. Guests appreciate the inclusion of traditional British favorites, various pastries, and a range of coffee choices from the coffee machine, including espresso and cappuccino. However, the breakfast area can become extremely busy and crowded, especially during peak hours, leading to long queues for coffee and tables. Some guests note that items like plates, glasses, or certain food options occasionally run out due to the high demand, though staff are generally diligent in restocking. While the hotel offers an on-site bar, it does not provide a full-service restaurant for dinner. Instead, it maintains a partnership with a local Italian restaurant that offers convenient delivery directly to the hotel.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a highly convenient location, situated in a safe and pleasant neighborhood. Its proximity to a large Tesco supermarket right next door is a significant advantage, allowing guests easy access to groceries and essentials. Public transport options are readily available, with bus stops located just a minute's walk away and Earl's Court and West Kensington tube stations within a 10 to 15-minute walk, providing direct access to the Piccadilly and District lines, including a convenient route to Heathrow Airport. The hotel's position also offers good walkability to various attractions, including Kensington Palace and several museums. Numerous restaurants are found in the vicinity, offering diverse dining choices. While the location is excellent for accessibility, guests should be aware that on-site parking is not available, and nearby options can be limited and costly.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receive overwhelmingly positive feedback, frequently described as exceptionally friendly, helpful, welcoming, and attentive. Guests commend their professionalism and eagerness to assist with various requests, contributing significantly to a pleasant stay. The check-in process is generally smooth, with staff often accommodating early arrivals and efficiently resolving any initial issues or mix-ups. While most reviews praise the overall service, feedback on housekeeping is mixed; some guests report instances of missed cleaning or a lack of replenishment for in-room supplies, though staff are typically responsive when notified. The maintenance team is also noted for being quick and efficient in addressing any room-related problems, such as issues with air conditioning or televisions. Overall, the staff's dedication to providing excellent service is a recurring theme, making guests feel well-cared for.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that a deposit is typically required upon arrival, and some reviews indicate that the refund process for this deposit can sometimes experience delays. While the hotel generally offers well-appointed rooms, some guests have noted unusual room layouts, such as beds positioned directly next to bathroom doors or cupboards that are difficult to access. There are also occasional mentions of low shower pressure and a lack of towel hooks in bathrooms, which can be a minor inconvenience. Some guests have reported that the smoke detectors in rooms are quite sensitive and can be triggered by steam from showers. Additionally, while rooms include televisions, some guests found them to be older models with connectivity issues, making streaming difficult. One guest also reported a negative experience regarding a lost item not being found after checkout.